Wire-tightener.



No. 646,826. Patented Apr. 3, I900.

J. S. HANSFORD.

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(Application filed June 1. 1899 (No Model.)

WITNESSES INVENTOR fwd/59y 84/ Jaznea 6.Im 0rd UNITED STATES PATENT Danica.

JAMES S. HANSFORD, OF SIPE SPRINGS, TEXAS.

WIRE-TIGHTENER.

SPECIFICATION forming partof Letters Patent No. 646,826, dated April 3, 1900. Application filed June 1, 1899. Serial No. 718,994. ('No model.)

- the purpose of the same is to provide an implement that can be effectively utilized for drawing the wire runners adjacent the post I and applying the necessary degree of tension thereon by hand manipulation and without requiring the use of cumbersome and complex mechanism for such purpose.

The invention consists, essentially, of amember having a handle at one end merging into a central widened portion, with a forward breakdown or angle terminating in a bracingfinger, the said widened portion having a loop or clip movably attached thereto in which is swiveled a hook and a wire-cutting slot in the upper edge, a movable member being pivoted to the widened portion of the firstmentioned member and having an edge coacting with the wire-cutting slot and a rearwardly-extending handle. i

The invention further consists of the details of construction and arrangement of the several parts, which will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective View of an implement embodying the invention and shown closed. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the implement shown open. Fig. 3 is a view illustrating the manner of using the device.

Like characters of reference are employed in the several views to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates the supporting member having a rear rein or handle 2, an intermediate widened body 3, an angular breakdown 4, and afrontbracing finger 5. To the front portion of the widened body 3 a loop or clip 6 is pivotally attached, and therein is swiveled a hook ting slot 8 being so formed as to facilitate the severance of Wire placed in said slot when the said head is moved by drawing the member 11 toward the handle 2 of the. supporting member 1. It is necessary that the head 10 be snugly held against the body 3 in order to effectively cut the wire and to conveniently operate the said member 11, which terminates in a handle 13, which approximates the handle 2 of the member 1. I

It is preferred that the several parts of the implement be constructed of'such metal that strain and wear will be resisted to considerable extent, and by forming the widened body portion 3 means are afforded for attaching the head 10 and the loop or clip 6 without materially weakening the member 1.

In operation the device is particularly intended to be used as a tightener or for taking up the slack in the wire runners of fences, and for this purpose a smaller loop of wire is attached to the runner adapted to be tightened and receives the hook 7. The finger 5 is then braced against the adjacent post and a downward pressure exerted on the entire implement. This will draw on the runner, and after a desired degree of tension has been obtained the swiveled hook may be turned to tie the stretched runner in'this con= dition.

The implement will be found very useful for other purposes and may be employed at any time for cutting wire by means of the mechanism explained, and for various applications changes in the proportions, dimensions, and minor details of construction might be resorted to without in the least departing from the nature or spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. A wire-tightener comprising a body portion having a slot in its upper edge, a handle IOO at one end, and a breakdown at the opposite end, continued into a bracing-finger; a loop or clip pivotally attached to the body in advance of the slot, and extending in the plane of the handle; a hook swiveled in the said loop or clip; and a member pivotally secured to the body and having a head cooperating with the slot in the body.

2. In an implement of the character set forth, the combination of a member having an intermediate body with a handle projecting from one end, and provided with a breakdown at the opposite end continued into a bracing-finger, the upper edge of the body .l. S. HANSFORD.

\Vitnesses:

J. R. HANSFORD, J. W. RICHBOURG. 

